Yay!! Yay For Opening Day!! (Make Your Predictions)

[Seth Stohs]

At the end of the season, Twins Daily will vote on the Minnesota Twins MVP, Pitcher of the Year, Most Improved, Top Rookie, and other awards, including several in the minor leagues. It is Opening Day, not only for the Twins, but also for the Wichita Wind Surge, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, and the Ft. Myers Mighty Mussels. 14 Twins Daily writers cast their preseason votes. We want to see your predictions too! 

Now, I'll be 100% honest. It is quite likely that you will need to remind me toward the end of the season that we should look back at our predictions, but it's always fun to make them! The Twins Daily writers that participated are: @Seth Stohs, @John Bonnes, @Cody Christie, @Ted Schwerzler, @Nash Walker, @David Youngs, @renabanena, @Steve Lein, @Lucas Seehafer PT, @Matthew Lenz, @Jeremy Nygaard, @Dave Overlund, @Andrew Mahlke, and @Theo Tollefson. (Be sure to click on those links and Follow these writers.)

Where do we start? How about we give our thoughts on how this massively-altered Minnesota Twins roster will perform over the course of the full season. No question, the Chicago White Sox are the favorites in the division. Beyond the Southsiders, however, you could make cases for 2nd place finishes or 5th place finishes for the Detroit Tigers, the Cleveland Guardians, the Kansas City Royals, and the Twins. 

Question 1: What will the Twins record be in 2022?

Getting right to the point, right? Well, 13 of our writers provided their predictions, and here is a breakdown: 
92-70 (1)
91-71 (1)
90-72 (1) 
87-75 (1)
86-76 (2)
85-77 (3)
84-78 (1)
82-80 (1)
75-87 (2) 

It appears that the majority think that the Twins will be a mid-80s win team. Seven of the 13 have the Twins winning between 84 and 87 games.

Question 2: Where will the Twins finish in the division? 
Results: 
1st Place (2)
2nd Place (9)
3rd Place (3)

Most think that the Twins will finish in second place. It would seem to put them into a race for a playoffs spot late into the season. 

Question 3: How will the division pan out? 
Results: 
1st Place:  White Sox (12), Twins (2) 
2nd Place: Twins (9), Tigers (2), White Sox (2), Royals (1). 
3rd Place: Tigers (9), Twins (3), Guardians (1), Royals (1) 
4th Place: Guardians (8), Royals (4), Tigers (2) 
5th Place: Royals (8), Guardians (5), Tigers (1) 

So there are the 'Team' predictions. The White Sox certainly go in as the favorites. On a Minnesota Twins site, our writers felt that the Twins are the favorite to finish in second place, with the Tigers in third, Guardians in fourth, and the Royals finishing where the Twins did just last season. 

Now let's get to the Individual Award Predictions. 

Question #4: Will the Twins have any Silver Slugger Award winners in 2022?
The Silver Slugger goes to the best hitter at each position, one winner in each league. Nelson Cruz won a couple of them with the Twins in 2019 and 2020. Mitch Garver did in 2019. 

Results: 
No (7)
Byron Buxton (5)
Carlos Correa (3)
Jorge Polanco (1)
Gary Sanchez (1) 

Question #5: Will the Twins have any Gold Glove winners in 2022? 

Results: 
Byron Buxton (13)
Carlos Correa (13)
No (1) 

Strong up the middle! 

Question #6: Who will be the Twins Top Rookie in 2022? 

Results: 
Joe Ryan (7)
Jhoan Duran (3)
Josh Winder (3)
Jose Miranda (1) 

You get an Opening Day start as a rookie, you're probably pretty good. But a couple of big-time prospects that will start the season in the bullpen also caught our eyes. 

Question #7: Who will be the Twins Most Improved Player in 2022? 

Results: 
Ryan Jeffers (5)
Jorge Alcala (2) 
Joe Ryan (2) 
Also getting (1) vote: Miguel Sano, Alex Kirilloff, Trevor Larnach, Max Kepler, Gary Sanchez 

The Twins have shown their confidence in Ryan Jeffers despite a tough 2021 season, and several of our writers believe he will justify it.

Question #8: Who will be the Twins Top Pitcher in 2022?

Results:
Sonny Gray (9)
Joe Ryan (3) 
Bailey Ober (1)
Dylan Bundy (1) 

The new guys gets to preseason title. Sonny Gray came to the Twins from the Reds. He has had a lot of success over his career. 

Question #9: Who will be the Twins Most Valuable Player in 2022? 

Results: 
Byron Buxton (8)
Carlos Correa (5)
Alex Kirilloff (1)

Like Correa himself said, this is Byron Buxton's team. If he stays on the field, the Twins MVP could be in his sights, but the league MVP could be as well. 

Today also marks Minor League Opening Day for the Double-A and A-ball leagues. The Saints started their season on Tuesday. The final three preseason awards are minor league predictions. 

Question #10: Who will be the Twins Daily Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year in 2022?

Results: 
Jordan Gore (3) 
Denny Bentley (2)
Ronny Henriquez (2) 
Others who received (1) vote: Steven Cruz, Marco Raya, Jhoan Duran, Ryan Mason, Yennier Cano, Jovani Moran 

This is a tough category as sometimes guys just move to the bullpen without us knowing. Here's hoping that Duran never pitches in the minor leagues and that  Jovani Moran gets to the big leagues quickly. Let's also hope that Marco Raya and Ronny Henriquez remain starters. Gore was the Twins Daily 2021 Minor League All-Star Right-Handed Relief Pitcher. 

Question 11: Who will be the Twins Daily Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year in 2022?

Results:
Matt Canterino (4)
Jordan Balazovic (2) 
Others who received (1) vote: Cade Povich, Simeon Woods Richardson, Ronny Henriquez, Cole Sands, Blayne Enlow, Marco Raya, Sawyer Gipson-Long, Louie Varland. 

Maybe it's just me, but I think it is exciting to see this many names mentioned. We know the potential that Canterino and Balazovich had shown, and yet our writers found several more names that they think could have special seasons. 

Question 12: Who will be the Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Year in 2022? 

Results: 
Royce Lewis (4)
Matt Wallner (3)
Aaron Sabato (2)
Austin Martin (2)
Emmanuel Rodriguez (2)
Jose Miranda (1) 

Our writers generally believe in Royce and in his comeback this season. Good to see Matt Wallner well regarded for his immense power potential. Same with Aaron Sabato after what had to be a frustrating 2021 debut season. And, if Jose Miranda plays well enough in St. Paul to win the Minor League Hitter of the Year award again, you have to wonder why he isn't getting an opportunity with the Twins! 

There you have it... 12 questions for you to consider. We hope you've enjoyed seeing and reading our predictions, but now it's your turn to make your predictions in the comments. That's where you'll be able to find my individual picks. 

 

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[wsnydes]

I predict that I'll be cold and miserable and loving every second of it!

[srlarson]

81-81......

[Whitey333]

Very well thought out predictions.  Can't really argue with any of them.  It is possible the twins will need to win the division to reach the playoffs.  The AL East may generate 4 of the 6 playoff openings.  Could be a very fun season.  Go Twins!

[Seth Stohs]

Here are my votes: 

	Seth
Twins MVP	Byron Buxton
Twins Top Pitcher	Bailey Ober
Twins Most Improved	Ryan Jeffers
Twins Top Rookie	Jhoan Duran
Gold Glove Winners	Correa, Buxton
Silver Slugger Winners	No
Twins Record	85-77
Place in Dvision	3rd
AL Central First	White Sox
AL Central Second	Tigers
AL Central Third	Twins
AL Central Fourth	Royals
AL Central Fifth	Guardians
Minor League Hitter	Matt Wallner
Minor League SP	Cade Povich
Minor League RP	Denny Bentley

[Squirrel]

2 hours ago, wsnydes said:

I predict that I'll be cold and miserable and loving every second of it!

Scotch will give you a false sense of warmth

[wsnydes]

10 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

Scotch will give you a false sense of warmth

Now to figure out a way to get a supply in...

[Puckett34]

Twins MVP	Byron Buxton
Twins Top Pitcher	Sonny Grey
Twins Most Improved	Gary Sanchez
Twins Top Rookie	Joe Ryan
Gold Glove Winners	Correa, Buxton
Silver Slugger Winners	Correa
Twins Record	86-76
Place in Division	2nd
AL Central First	White Sox
AL Central Second	Twins
AL Central Third	Guardians
AL Central Fourth	Royals
AL Central Fifth	Tigers

 

I'll also predict that my optimism is at a very high level and I may be influenced by my opening day rose colored glasses

[dex8425]

I'm going to be optimistic and think that Buxton's sense of security after signing the extension somehow keeps him healthy. 

 

Twins MVP Byron Buxton

Twins Top Pitcher Sonny Grey

Twins Most Improved Max Kepler

Twins Top Rookie Joe Ryan

Gold Glove Winners Correa, Buxton

Silver Slugger Winners None

Twins Record 85-77 (2nd place)

[baul0010]

2 hours ago, wsnydes said:

I predict that I'll be cold and miserable and loving every second of it!

That's exactly what I was thinking!  Baseball means nice weather will eventually be back.  I wish I didn't live in the middle of nowhere and could get into more games.  It would be nice if there were any options for watching the Twins via streaming.  At least I can read about all the action on TwinsDaily.

[gunnarthor]

There certainly are scenarios where this team can win the division - mostly by being an elite offense and the pitching staff not completely sucking - but I don't think this will happen.

 

Twins MVP	Byron Buxton
Twins Top Pitcher	Sonny Grey
Twins Most Improved	Kiriloff
Twins Top Rookie	Miranda
Gold Glove Winners	Buxton
Silver Slugger Winners	Correa
Twins Record	79-83
Place in Division	3nd
AL Central First	White Sox
AL Central Second	Tigers
AL Central Third	Twins
AL Central Fourth	Royals
AL Central Fifth	Tigers

[wsnydes]

9 minutes ago, baul0010 said:

That's exactly what I was thinking!  Baseball means nice weather will eventually be back.  I wish I didn't live in the middle of nowhere and could get into more games.  It would be nice if there were any options for watching the Twins via streaming.  At least I can read about all the action on TwinsDaily.

Join the game thread.  I'm in the same boat so I'll listen on the radio or follow gamecast and follow the game thread.  Not quite the same, but usually a good time.

[TwinsAce]

1 hour ago, Seth Stohs said:

Here are my votes: 

	Seth
Twins MVP	Byron Buxton
Twins Top Pitcher	Bailey Ober
Twins Most Improved	Ryan Jeffers
Twins Top Rookie	Jhoan Duran
Gold Glove Winners	Correa, Buxton
Silver Slugger Winners	No
Twins Record	85-77
Place in Dvision	3rd
AL Central First	White Sox
AL Central Second	Tigers
AL Central Third	Twins
AL Central Fourth	Royals
AL Central Fifth	Guardians
Minor League Hitter	Matt Wallner
Minor League SP	Cade Povich
Minor League RP	Denny Bentley

With 3 votes having the Twins in 3rd place and 2 having them with a 75-87 record, I like that you were the 3rd vote for 3rd place, but with a 85-77 record.  I probably feel similar in that I expect the Twins to do well (in that same 87-84 win range), but that the Tigers will do better than expected and it will arguably be a three team race until September at least.

[spanman2]

For S&G'S I put $20 on the Twins to win the Division at Diamond Joe's while driving back from a work trip down in Des Moines.  $20 gets me $118.  I doubt they win the division but think a solid 2nd place finish should be in the cards.  They should be fine in the field and scoring runs.  Pitching/pitching/pitching.  Lets go!!!

[MinnInPa]

Arraez not in the opening day lineup???  stupid stupid  i dont care if a lefty is on the mound...he has to be in lineup every day

[jimbo92107]

Not ready for season predictions, but for today's game...

Twins score 6, Ryan K's 7, gives up 1 HR, then a variety of arms give up a few runs, but all's well because Taylor Rogers comes in to slam the...

Oh wait...

[Dave Overlund]

Twins MVP - Alex Kirilloff 

Twins Top Pitcher - Joe Ryan 

Twins Most Improved - Miguel Sano 

Twins Top Rookie - Jhoan Duran 

Gold Glove Winners - Correa, Buxton 

Silver Slugger Winners - None 
Twins Record - 75-87 

Place in Division - Third

AL Central First- White Sox ?

AL Central Second - Royals

AL Central Third - Twins 

AL Central Fourth - Tigers

AL Central Fifth - Cleveland 
Minor League Hitter - Aaron Sabato 

Minor League SP - Matt Canterino 

Minor League RP - Matt Belisle 

 

I am 100% all-in on post-hype Kirilloff!!! 

Edited April 8, 2022 by Dave Overlund

[PatPfund]

I predict...

Many will over-react to whatever happens on Opening Day and Opening Weekend.

There will be moments of glory and despair.

Someone will get hurt.

The Dodgers and Blue Jays will be fabulous, and one will win it all...

...unless they don't.

Game play will be so much better than anything we can predict.

I'll be following it all on Twins Daily; thanks to the founders and all the posters (including any that rip me; taking a beating is part of the game) for such a great site. Glad I found you all!

[Sielk]

Twins MVP - Buxton (Yes, he's gonna stay healthy and it will be a season for the ages)

Twins Top Pitcher - Josh Winder

Twins Most Improved - Alex Kirilloff

Twins ROTY - Josh Winder

Gold Gloves - Buxton, Correa

Silver Slugger - Buxton

Twins Record - 86-76

AL Central Standings - 1. Sox, 2. Twins, 3. Tigers, 4. Royals, 5. Guards

Minor League Hitter - Matt Wallner

Minor League SP - Marco Raya

I certainly have some doubts about the pitching staff, but hey, being optimistic is more fun! So hyped up for the season! Let's go Twins!

[Brandon]

Twins will go 91-70.  They will have a rain out that doesn’t get made up because of the condensed schedule. I am bullish on their record cause while their pitchers have serious risks.  I can see ways to minimize several of them and if I can so can the Twins.  The pitching will be better then expected because of the potential and flexibility of our pitching being in new roles and succeeding.  

[twinssporto]

My predictions are listed below. I've been right most years on these types of posts so please pay attention:

Twins record: 92-70

AL Central Standings: Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Royals, Guards

Silver Slugger: Correa, Polanco

Twins MVP: Correa

Twins top pitcher: Ryan

Win Twins!!

[RpR]

Twins will finish 82-81 after 163rd game to defeat Detroit for first place.

[Andrew Mahlke]

My picks:

MVP: Carlos Correa
Top Pitcher: Sonny Gray
Most Improved: Jorge Alcala
Top Rookie: Joe Ryan
Gold Glove Winners: Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton
Silver Slugger Winners: Byron Buxton

Team Record: 86-76
Place in Division: Second
AL Central Standings: White Sox, Twins, Royals, Guardians, Tigers
Minor League Hitter: Aaron Sabato
Minor League Starting Pitcher: Blayne Enlow
Minor League Reliever: Ronny Henriquez